The Reacting Consortium is seeking its next Executive Director as Nick Proctor concludes his five-year term in June 2027.

About The Role

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the President of the Reacting Consortium, the nonprofit that oversees Reacting to the Past (RTTP), over a five-year term. The ED works closely with Reacting Central (RC) staff and reports to the Reacting Consortium Board (RCB). Because the role touches nearly every aspect of the organization, it requires someone with deep familiarity with Reacting pedagogy and relationships across the community. This is primarily a volunteer leadership position intended for a committed and active member of the Reacting community, including current or retired faculty who have substantial experience employing Reacting in their teaching. The Consortium would like to move toward a more compensated model over time.

Core Responsibilities

1. Coordinate and lead paid staff and volunteers.

The ED works closely with and provides direction to Reacting Central (RC) staff and the broader volunteer community. This leadership is the most essential aspect of the role and activities include:

• Leading and working closely with RC staff, particularly the Administrative Director, and meeting weekly with staff (virtually). Being available as needed for consultation on complex or sensitive issues.
• Supervising and supporting volunteer-led projects to ensure continuity of project design and implementation.
• Facilitating collaboration across committees, working groups, and community initiatives.
• Serving as the ultimate authority over staff and their work when decisions need to be made. 

2. Report to the Reacting Consortium Board

The ED maintains regular communication with the RCB and works collaboratively with board leadership on strategic priorities. These activities include:

• Providing general updates on organizational activity throughout the year.
• Developing and sharing an Annual Financial Status Report to the Board (with the support of the Administrative Director and Treasurer) in the fall.
• Presenting or updating an annual vision statement at the Summer Institute.

3. Initiate and support new initiatives.

The ED brings creative energy and strategic vision to the organization, identifying opportunities to strengthen and grow Reacting. This includes:

• Generating ideas for new programs, partnerships, and community-building efforts.
• Gathering support and building momentum for initiatives across the community.
• Exercising judgment and initiative as new needs emerge.
• Writing formal letters of support for community members' grant applications, tenure and promotion cases, and other professional needs.

4. Serve as the public face of Reacting

The ED represents the Consortium to the broader world. This includes:

• Representing Reacting at conferences, workshops, and professional gatherings.
• Serving as the primary voice of Reacting in external communications and press/media relations.
• Building and maintaining relationships with institutions, funders, and potential partners 

5. Explore future funding opportunities

The ED is not required to have fundraising or development experience. However, candidates who have relevant expertise, networks, or interest in this area will be encouraged to help identify, cultivate, and pursue grant, donor, and other funding opportunities that support the growth and long-term sustainability of Reacting to the Past.

Time Commitment

This role averages roughly 10–15 hours per week across the calendar year, though this varies considerably with the rhythm of the academic year including some weeks with fewer hours depending on organizational activity. During peak periods, such as the Summer Institute, weekly hours can be significantly higher. Candidates who are full-time faculty should have a realistic conversation with their home institution before considering the role. The Consortium strongly recommends pursuing at least one course release as a condition of service and will provide funding to support that release.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to explore whether two course releases are possible, given that institutional accommodation will allow the demands of the role to be sustainable.

Compensation

This is primarily a volunteer position. The Consortium will fund course releases at the ED's home institution and will cover travel and expenses related to official duties. For EDs who are not eligible for a course release, the Consortium will likewise cover travel and expenses related to official duties and may provide a stipend of roughly a course buy-out.

To Apply

Send your CV and a letter of interest to the search committee via its chair, Alex Rolnick (arolnick@gmail.com ). The committee will begin to consider applications on September 30, 2026 and is interested in hearing about:

• Your reasons for interest in the position, and your leadership experience and qualifications.
• Your approach to leadership, supervision, and project management.
• Your vision for the Reacting Consortium.
• Your plan for securing the institutional support necessary to fulfill the demands of the position.